Competition Bureau approves transfer of interests in 10 Quebec pharmacies from Metro to Familiprix, McKesson

From: Competition Bureau Canada

News release

February 18, 2019 – OTTAWA, ON – Competition Bureau

The Competition Bureau has approved Familiprix Inc. and Corporation Groupe Pharmessor, an affiliate of McKesson Canada Corporation, as the purchasers of METRO Inc.’s interests relating to 10 retail pharmacies in Quebec.

In April, 2018, the Bureau determined that Metro’s acquisition of The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. would likely have led to substantially higher prices or decreases in services for consumers purchasing medications or other pharmacy products in eight regions in Quebec. To address these concerns, Metro agreed to sell property rights as well as take steps to terminate franchise, distribution and associated agreements related to retail pharmacies in the affected communities.

In November 2018, property lease rights for five pharmacies formerly operating under the Brunet banner were transferred to Familiprix in the following four markets:

  • Amos (2);
  • Baie-St-Paul;
  • Carleton-sur-Mer; and
  • Coaticook.

Familiprix has also entered into banner and distribution agreements with the independent pharmacist owners in these locations.

McKesson recently acquired the property lease rights for five pharmacies which previously operated under the Brunet and Jean Coutu banners. The pharmacies are located in the following four markets:

  • Berthierville;
  • Disraeli;
  • La Baie (2); and
  • La Sarre.

McKesson has also negotiated banner and distribution agreements with the independent pharmacist owners in these locations.

Quick facts

  • Metro provides distribution and franchise services to independent pharmacists at approximately 560 locations, operating in Quebec under the Brunet, Clini Plus and Jean Coutu banners.

  • Familiprix, headquartered in Quebec, is a Canadian group of independent pharmacist owners that operates a network of over 380 pharmacies which cover all of Quebec and parts of New Brunswick.

  • McKesson is the largest wholesaler of pharmaceutical products in Canada and supplies approximately 7,100 retail pharmacies across Canada.

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